If you are unsure about how a residential VPN differs from your regular VPN, we have got you covered. In this extensive guide, we will discover everything about a private network and what it means to have a VPN with a residential IP address. For instance, our detailed VPN free trial overview explains how you can test such services before committing.
Simply put, this type of virtual private network diverts your internet traffic using a regular IP address instead of a virtual private server. Using a peer-to-peer model, this type of VPN provides great privacy and anonymity however, low internet speed is its potential drawback.
If you want to access region-specific content while maintaining your online privacy, having a VPN is the best choice. Join us as we discover more about this type and its top providers.
These factors can help you in choosing the best housing virtual private network out there without compromising on any of your requirements. But what is so unique about a private network, and how is it different from your regular VPN? Scroll further to explore the difference.
Both private networks stand apart from each other in various aspects. If invisibility, security, and authenticity are something you are looking for, residential VPNs are your one-stop solution.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Residential VPN? How Does it Work?
- What is a Residential IP Address?
- Explore the World of Free Residential VPNs
- What are the Types of Residential VPNs, and are they legal?
- Key Points to Consider When Selecting a Residential VPN
- Difference Between a Regular VPN and a Residential VPN
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
What is a Residential VPN? How Does it Work?
A residential VPN load balances your internet traffic through common housing IP addresses instead of using the traditional network servers. This approach masks your actual location, enhances your online anonymity, and makes your activity appear as if you are browsing from a regular house address. Some providers, such as Private Internet Access VPN, showcase how genuine residential IP addresses can be leveraged for enhanced privacy. However, some ISPs may provide you with a VPN residential IP address that is already blocked by some web pages. Unlike conventional private networks, this type of VPN provides you with IP addresses that are linked to a real home address, making it almost impossible to track your digital activities. Users can seamlessly bypass geo-restricted content, and get access to a broader range of streaming content, games, and websites that otherwise might be blocked in a particular region. Furthermore, these virtual private networks provide a robust level of security, making it safe for you to leaf through secret websites, keeping your activity confidential from prying eyes.What is a Residential IP Address?
An IP (internet protocol) address is a distinctive number that is assigned to every device connected to the internet, and a residential IP address is a general IP address provided by your internet service provider that is linked to a housing area. These IP numbers are trustworthy since they have real details linked to them. If you are not using any active proxy server, you can easily check your IP address. This web address is tied to your home location, hence you won’t be able to access certain content that is restricted in your areas. Residential VPN providers tend to maintain a large record of regular IP addresses through a peer-to-peer method in which an individual shares his or her IP number in exchange for a verified IP address of another region. Talking about anonymity and legitimacy, a residential IP VPN is more trustworthy than other secure servers as they personify real users and locations.Explore the World of Free Residential VPNs
Want to keep your true identity a secret while browsing the internet? Stay alert and don’t just fall for any random resi VPN. Finding a free and reliable residential VPN can be a challenging task since it is mostly on the costly side due to its advanced network security features. Many network providers offer such IP addresses primarily through paid plans or subscriptions. However, we have curated a list of free residential VPNs for you to bring a satisfied user experience. Many users have shared their experiences in our Thunder VPN review to highlight the pros and cons of different services.NordVPN
NordVPN does not offer a residential IP address, but they do allocate a dedicated IP number that is entirely for you and renders the same benefits. It provides 24/7 customer support, but only limited servers are available, which makes any individual think twice before subscribing. You can also use the NordVPN discount code to secure your data at a budget-friendly price.ExpressVPN
Giving top-level encryption and reliable connections, ExpressVPN offers various monthly and annual subscription plans. Although, due to its user-friendly interface, it has become the top choice for many, the no-free trial policy is something that is considered to be its con.TuxlerVPN
Your chances of getting tracked using Tuxler’s 100% residential IP addresses are nearly impossible. They hide your original IP label seamlessly and make sure that they keep refreshing the locations of the VPN, giving you the utmost security and privacy.SurfShark
Just like most other VPNs, SurfShark does not provide residential IP, however, they do have the facility of dedicated IP addresses. Instead of depending on a P2P network, this VPN service has a unique structure through which it channels the traffic and provides strong encryption.Private Internet Access
Having a strict 100% no logs policy and giving exclusive ownership, PIA allocates a dedicated IP which enables the users to access geo-blocked websites without any obstacle. They give simultaneous access to unlimited devices and are trusted by millions of satisfied customers.CyberGhost
When it comes to high-speed functioning, CyberGhost is the one you can easily rely on. Most residential VPNs can trace back to you as they are linked to your email IDs, but the dedicated IP addresses provided by CyberGhost using the token-based system ensure your digital security, leaving no traces behind. As has been noted earlier, a truly free resi VPN is rare to find. Maximum VPN providers like Urban VPN, TunnelBear, PrivadoVPN, and many others provide services that are similar to residential IP addresses. In case your VPN is not connecting despite several attempts, try out the whole process after some time, or you can always go for the alternatives. Ensure that you prioritize your privacy and security before making a choice.What are the Types of Residential VPNs, and are they legal?
Depending on the requirement of the user, typically, there are only four types of residential VPN. Let us understand a bit about them.Dedicated IP VPN
As the name says, this is a VPN with a common IP address that is bound to a specific place. It is solely assigned to you and not shared with anyone else, offering peak security in comparison to other VPNs that are usually circulated in a pool of networks.Dynamic IP VPN
This VPN is dynamic or flexible, which means the location of the user changes every time he or she connects to the VPN. Dynamic IP VPN gives access to content that is available only in certain areas since the physical location changes every time.Shared IP VPN
Going by the name, this type of VPN allows multiple access on a single IP address. It gives top-tier security, as it can be difficult to track what a specific user is doing. While tracking, this will always give different physical locations due to multiple users.Mobile VPN
It is the perfect option for someone who is always on the move. This allows the user to access content anytime and anywhere by simply just connecting to the VPN, and like any other secure network it safeguards your digital activity. Hence, these four types are the most widely known and used private networks. Although many countries have legalized the use of such VPNs, one must ensure that the secure network facility is not being used for conducting illegal activities. As long as you are using the VPN for personal or professional use, it is legal to use a VPN.Key Points to Consider When Selecting a Residential VPN
You simply cannot throw your money for any random residential VPN without knowing anything about its features or specifications. Below-mentioned are some of the key factors that you can keep in mind before selecting a private network for you.
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Difference Between a Regular VPN and a Residential VPN
The key difference between a regular and a housing VPN is that the former uses specially designed servers to divert online traffic, whereas the latter uses authentic housing IP addresses to channel the traffic and maintain anonymity. Moving further, let us discover some major differences between both.| Aspect | Regular VPN | Residential VPN |
| IP Address | Allocates IP addresses that are not linked to any physical location but are stored by private hosting or cloud companies. | Allocated by the housing internet service providers and are attached to credible residential locations. |
| Spotting & Blacklisting | Traditional private networks are easily traceable in comparison to residential VPNs. Websites can easily identify them and block them. | These types of VPNs are harder to detect, as they mimic credible physical locations and depict genuine user behavior. |
| Reliability & Speed | Regular intranets are more reliable and offer lightning speed due to specially designed dedicated servers. | Residential VPNs are typically slower due to the network issues they face depending on the location of their IP label. |
| Use Case | Generally beneficial if you want to secure your Wi-Fi and maintain browsing privacy. | If you wish to access large amounts of data without getting caught or identified as a bot, residential VPN is your option. |
Final Thoughts
To sum up, we can say that if you plan to keep your online identity and activity hidden, you can reach out to your internet service provider and ask for a secure network with a residential IP address. Your regular VPN might help you speed up your browsing and save you some money but at what cost? One cannot take risks with security and stability. To experience the best of both worlds, we suggest you immediately switch to a residential networkFAQs
1: How many types of residential VPNs are there?
Ans: In total, there are four major residential VPNs. Dedicated, Dynamic, Shared, and Mobile Residential VPN.
2: Can I set up a VPN at home?
Ans: One can set up their own VPN at home if they have the right technical knowledge. You simply need to log into your router and enable the advanced settings.
3: What is the best residential VPN?
Ans: Most VPNs do not provide a residential IP number, but they do give a dedicated IP number. Some of them are NordVPN, SurfShark, ExpressVPN, TunnelBear and more.
4: Is a dedicated IP safe?
Ans: Yes, dedicated IP addresses are a safer and much more reliable option than regular conventional VPNs.
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